SirEdger

Some great twists you added in this Cotton Bowl, namely the return of Buzz Sawyer and the Freebirds turning on Kerry Von Erich on what was supposed to be his greatest night. Another very very solid card you've given us with this Parade of Champions!

June 24th, 1984 Parc Jarry, Montréal Mini-card taking place for the St-Jean Baptiste Day festivities -Jerry Oates beat Bobby Kay in 11:44 -Pete Doherty beat Charlie Cook in 11:57 -Raymond Rougeau (w/Jacques Rougeau Sr.) beat George "The Animal" Steele (w/Frenchy Martin) in 10:12 with the Savate Kick

Thanks. I grew up with that duo at commentary so it brings a lot of nostalgia for me too!

I'll do my best with King Tonga. I do have some plans for Tonga but I might privilege a slow build for him in the process. I have lots of star power on my roster at the moment and it's gonna be quite the balancing act for me but I'm confident I'll be able to give everyone their moment to shine!

Lutte Internationale News -The atmosphere backstage is said to be very positive, following the WWF and Lutte Internationale joint show at the Maple Leaf Gardens in Toronto on Saturday night. Promoter Frank Valois was especially grateful to Vince McMahon for giving Rick Martel an Intercontinental Championship run and he believes this will tremendously boost the prestige of the Montreal territory. Valois is also very happy with the exposure that his top stars like Greg Valentine, the Rougeau Brothers & Dino Bravo have gotten on the show. The feedback was also positive about the tag team match featuring the Caribbean Connection and Frenchy's Legion and Valois is open to further this working relationship with WWF in the future. -Lutte Internationale is looking to bring in women's wrestling as special attractions for 2 TV dates in the month of July. The main objective for this decision was to bring out Vivian Vachon out of retirement to work those 2 dates. Vachon was contacted but declined Lutte Internationale's offer, stating that she's in a good place right now. Some people backstage close to Vivian believe that she would've only come back if her brothers Maurice & Paul would work the shows but given their contractual status with Mid-Atlantic Championship Wrestling, it is currently impossible. Lutte Internationale will proceed anyway, feeling there are enough good drawing women names to generate a buzz for these 2 TV dates. Women are expected to appear on the July 14 and July 28 episodes of Lutte Internationale TV. -Finally, Lutte Internationale will test run some gimmick matches in their house show loops to see what would and would not work with the fans in the territory. Some plans have already been made for specific dates to use those special stipulations and depending on the crowd's response, Lutte Internationale will use those gimmick matches on more important dates like the Montreal Forum supercards or the Quebec City shows at the Colisée.

LUTTE INTERNATIONALE TV Taped at CHLT-TV Studios, Sherbrooke, QC June 23rd, 1984 (After the opening credits, we’re going to the broadcast booth where Guy Hauray & Édouard Carpentier are waiting to open the show.) Guy Hauray: Hello everyone, this is Guy Hauray along with Édouard Carpentier and welcome to another edition of Lutte Internationale. Eddie, this week, another jampacked show for our fans with some interesting things that transpired just last night in our main event. Édouard Carpentier: And this could have some pretty direct repercussions in what we’re gonna see this week. Frenchy’s Legion might have made their first faux pas since coming together as a group in that finish last night. Guy Hauray: Indeed, they did. We will take you back in just a few moments to our main event last night at the Centre Paul-Sauvé in an impromptu match as Armand & Jacques Rougeau battled the self-proclaimed International Heavyweight Champion Greg Valentine & Hercules Ayala with wrestling legend Pat O’Connor acting as the special guest referee. As you’ll see in this footage, someone would have plenty of reasons to be upset at Frenchy’s Legion, but more specifically, Frenchy’s gatekeeper for Greg Valentine, George “The Animal” Steele. Let’s take a close look right now. ******EXCLUSIVE FOOTAGE***** (Footage from the final moments of the main event on last night’s show is shown. After several minutes of being dominated by Greg Valentine & Hercules Ayala, Armand Rougeau finally makes the hot tag to brother Jacques. Soon enough, all 4 men find themselves in the ring at the same time and special referee, wrestling great Pat O’Connor, has a hard time controlling everyone. Things go south when Jacques is about to swing at Greg Valentine but he accidentally elbows O’Connor, who’s momentarily dazed. While the referee is stunned, George “The Animal” Steele runs in while Greg Valentine clotheslines Jacques Rougeau over the top rope. O’Connor regains his senses but sees Valentine & Jacques fighting outside so he tries to stop them. In the meantime, Steele grabs Valentine’s championship belt and wants to toss it to Ayala but his toss comes short and Armand intercepts the title belt. Armand turns around and smacks Ayala straight in the forehead! Armand tosses the title outside the ring and covers Ayala as O’Connor turns around and makes the count, unaware of what happened. The crowd goes nuts as the Rougeaus beat Greg Valentine & Hercules Ayala at their own game. The footage ends with Ayala screaming at George Steele while Valentine and Frenchy are trying to restrain The Animal and retreat backstage.) (Back from the footage, we’re about to go back to Guy Hauray & Édouard Carpentier but here comes Frenchy Martin along with his Legion, George Steele, Mad Dog Lefebvre & Richard “Le Magnifique” Charland. Frenchy takes the mic and is getting heavy boos from the audience.) Frenchy Martin: Vos yeules! J’ai quelque chose à dire! (Crowd boos) Si y a une chose que j’suis content aujourd’hui, c’est de savoir que ma Légion se fera pas voler comme on s’est fait voler hier soir au Centre Paul-Sauvé. Tous ceux qui étaient là ont vu ce que je considère comme un scandale! Les Rougeau ont littéralement triché pour gagner leur match hier soir pis l’arbitre spécial Pat O’Connor a absolument rien fait pour les arrêter! C’est la preuve que y a une conspiration de Frank Valois pis Lutte Internationale contre ma Légion pis pour les Rougeau. Mon champion, LE champion, Greg Valentine avait même prévu faire une exception à ce qu’il avait déclaré auparavant pis se présenter icitte à la TV pour montrer à tout le monde c’est quoi un vrai champion mais il a finalement changé d’idée pis proteste en restant chez lui. Frank Valois, Lutte Internationale, c’est encore de votre faute tout ce qui arrive. Un arbitre professionnel et compétent aurait jamais laissé passé ça. Mais on va trouver la meilleure vengeance possible. L’Animal, le Mad Dog pis Le Magnifique, y sont prêts à se défouler sur n’importe qui en arrière qui se pensent prêts à les affronter. Faque c’est qui qui va le faire? (Translation : Shut up! I’ve got something to say! (Crowd boos) If there’s something I’m happy about today, it’s to know that my Legion won’t be robbed today like they were last night at Centre Paul-Sauvé. Everyone who was there saw that I consider highway robbery and scandalous! The Rougeaus totally cheated to win their match last night and special referee Pat O’Connor absolutely did nothing to stop them! That’s proof thatthere’s a conspiracy from frank Valois and Lutte Internationale against my Legion and for the Rougeaus. My champion, THE champion Greg Valentine had even decided to come on TV to show everyone what a real champion is like but he changed his mind and is protesting by staying home. Frank Valois, Lutte Internationale, everything that is happening is your fault once again. A professional and competent referee wouldn’t have let this slide by. But we’ll find the best revenge possible. The Animal, the Mad Dog and Le Magnifique, they’re ready to vent on anyone in the back thinking they’re ready to face them. So, who will it be? (Then, we see Rick Martel & Billy Robinson making their way to the ring. Martel & Robinson step inside the ring while Frenchy and his Legion remain outside) Rick Martel: Frenchy, Greg Valentine est pas icitte parce qu’il proteste contre quelque chose. Il est pas icitte parce que c’est un pissou, comme tout le reste de ta Légion! Valentine a toujours été comme ça pis y changera pas avec le temps. Il va toujours être un peureux de la pire espèce. Mais en attendant, Frenchy, si tes gars ont besoin de se dégourdir, Billy pis moi, on est prêts à affronter tes boys drette là! (Translation : Frenchy, Greg Valentine isn’t here because he’s protesting about something. He’s not here because he’s a coward, like the rest of your Legion! Valentine has always been this way and that won’t change with time. He’ll always be a stinkin’ coward. But in the meantime, Frenchy, if your boys need to loosen up, Billy and I, we’re ready to face them right now! Frenchy: T’as toujours été de même, Ricky….Tout dans le cœur, rien dans la tête. J’sais pas si tu sais compter mais mes boys sont 3 pis vous êtes 2. Moi, ça me fait rien mais vous en allez en manger une maudite! Enweyez les boys! (Translation : You’ve always been that way Ricky; all heart, no brains. I don’t know if you know how to count but there’s 3 of my boys and 2 of you. I don’t care but you’re gonna get your ass kicked! C’mon, boys, get ‘em!) (George Steele, Mad Dog Lefebvre and Richard Charland are now circling the ring and both Ricky Martel & Billy Robinson are now back-to-back, trying to cover all bases. Frenchy’s Legion are now on the ring apron and about to get in the ring when all of a sudden, Hercules Ayala runs in to join Martel & Robinson. Frenchy is irate and the Legion is doing their best to restrain George “The Animal” Steele and keep him from getting in the ring.) Rick Martel: Si tu sais compter, Frenchy....on est maintenant 3. On se voit tantôt! (Translation : if you know how to count Frenchy….we’re now 3. See you later!) (The babyfaces & Frenchy’s Legion are exchanging words as we return to the broadcast booth.) Guy Hauray: Eddie, looks like we’re gonna have one helluva main event tonight! Édouard Carpentier: Indeed, Guy. Hercules is still upset at George Steele nailing him with that belt and costing he & Greg Valentine the match against the Rougeaus last night. He’ll now have the opportunity to avenge that loss and settle his score with The Animal! Guy Hauray: That’s still to come but first, we have a few other matches to go before this big 6-Men Tag Team match so let’s get to the action! *******************************PROMO AD FOR TORONTO JOINT SHOW TONIGHT*********************************** Match #1 The Oates Brothers vs The Wild Samoans (w/Eddy “The Brain” Creatchman) Eddy Creatchman seems to have his tag team primed for their International Tag Team Championship match on July 5 at the Montreal Forum as the Wild Samoans are completely steamrolling through Ted & Jerry Oates. Afa picks up the win in less than 4 minutes with a Samoan Drop on Jerry Oates. Winners: The Wild Samoans (After the match, Eddy Creatchman goes to the broadcast booth, followed by the Wild Samoans.) Guy Hauray: Eddy, another impressive performance from your team, as we’re getting closer to the tag team match against the Rougeau Brothers on July 5th. Eddy: Comme t’as pu le voir, Guy, mes Samoans sont top shape! Y ont faim dans tous les sens du terme! Ça fait des jours que je les fais manger à peine, juste pour garder leur instinct de sauvage jusqu’au 5 juillet. Frank Valois a signé leur arrêt de mort, aux p’tits Rougeau, en les mettant contre mes Samoans. Mais ça, ça me fait le plus grand des plaisirs. Parce qu’aussi vite que les Rougeaus sont revenus, aussi vite y vont disparaître. J’ai aucune intention de demander à mes Samoans de se retenir. Ça va être la pire dégelée que ces maudits Rougeau vont manger de leur vie. Pis en plus, mes Samoans vont devenir champions International. Qu’est-ce que tu peux demander de plus? Le 5 juillet, la famille Creatchman va connaître son moment de gloire! Pis avant que je parte : la semaine prochaine, Dino Bravo, je t’ai pas oublié! Tu vas savoir c’est qui ton adversaire au Forum. Crois-moi, toi aussi, tu vas en manger toute une! (Translation : As you could see, Guy, my Samoans are in top condition. They’re hungry in every sense of the word! I’ve been barely feeding them for days, just to keep their savage instinct in check until July 5. Frank Valois signed those damn Rougeaus’ death warrants by booking them against my Samoans. But that will be the greatest of pleasures to me. Because as fast as the Rougeaus came back, as fast they will disappear. I have no intention whatsoever to ask my Samoans to go easy on them. This will be the worst beating those snot-nosed punk kid Rougeaus will ever get. And furthermore, my Samoans will become International Tag Team Champions. What could you ask more? On July 5, it will be the Creatchman Family’s glorious moment! And before I go: next week, Dino Bravo, I didn’t forget about you! You’ll find out who’ll be your opponent at the Forum. Believe you me, you too will get the ass kicking of your life!) (Eddy Creatchman leaves with his Samoans, but not before Afa & Sika stare holes in Guy Hauray and walk back to the locker room with their manager) Guy Hauray: There you have it, looks like the Wild Samoans are ready for the Montreal Forum supercard on July 5. We’ll be right back! *******************COMMERCIAL BREAK******************************* Match #2 Chicky Starr vs Bobby Kay Singles action this week for one half of the Caribbean Connection as Chicky Starr looked particularly great against another tag team specialist in Bobby Kay. Chicky Starr eventually was able to secure the victory, thanks to his trademark DDT in around 3 minutes. Winner: Chicky Starr ********************COMMERCIAL BREAK/PROMO FOR JOINT WWF/LUTTE INTERNATIONALE SHOW IN TORONTO TONIGHT*********************** Match #3 Kendo Nagasaki vs Pete Doherty This is the first TV appearance for the mysterious Kendo Nagasaki on Lutte Internationale and he didn’t fail to impress, even being able to intimidate the veteran Doherty by spitting green mist prior to the match’s start. Doherty tried his best to overcome Nagasaki but the oriental masked man used his versatile combination of technical wrestling and martial skills to neutralize Doherty. Nagasaki finished off Doherty with a Rolling Fireman’s Carry Slam that he calls the Kamikaze Crash. Winner: Kendo Nagasaki ******************COMMERCIAL BREAK******************** (Back from the commercial break, the camera is on a championship belt, lying on a table in front of Guy Hauray & Édouard Carpentier) Guy Hauray: Welcome back to Lutte Internationale and before we go to our main event, we have a big announcement to make for next week’s show. On our final episode before the Montreal Forum supercard on July 5, we will have a battle royal to crown our inaugural International TV Champion! 15 men will compete to win this prestigious championship. Édouard Carpentier: It should be a very exciting main event next week and we should also mention that no matter who wins this championship, the battle royal runner-up should not be worried because he will be granted an automatic rematch against the champion at the Montreal Forum on July 5! Guy Hauray: So, Eddie, any predictions on who’s gonna come out on top as our inaugural TV champion? Édouard Carpentier: That’s a hard question but if you look at the participants involved with the experience factor, someone like Billy Robinson or Baron Von Raschke could easily win this. But it’s anyone’s guess and anything can happen! Guy Hauray: So, this is next week but now, let’s go to our main event! *********CONFIRMED FOR THE MONTREAL FORUM JULY 5TH SUPERCARD********** INTERNATIONAL TV CHAMPIONSHIP Winner of June 30th TV Championship Battle Royal (on Lutte Internationale TV) vs Runner-Up ************************************** Match #4 MAIN EVENT 6-Men Tag Team Match Billy Robinson, Rick Martel & Hercules Ayala vs Frenchy’s Legion (George “The Animal” Steele, Mad Dog Lefebvre & Richard “Le Magnifique” Charland, w/Frenchy Martin) Obviously, there’s still a lot of tension stemming from the opening segment in which Hercules Ayala showed up to be Billy Robinson & Rick Martel’s tag team partner for the night. During the match, Guy Hauray & Édouard Carpentier mention the joint card in Toronto tonight with the World Wrestling Federation and announce that George “The Animal” Steele & Mad Dog Lefebvre will take on The Caribbean Connection in Toronto with the winning team fighting whoever wins the International Tag Team Championship at the Forum at a later date. Robinson & Martel’s quickness is able to gain them an advantage early on but Richard Charland’s dirty tactics allow Frenchy’s Legion to regain control in the middle of the match. Frenchy’s Legion members work on Martel’s shoulder, injured early in the match and they’re doing everything to keep Hercules Ayala to get inside the ring. However, Richard Charland tries one high risk move too many and Martel lifts his boot to connect with Charland’s face. Martel is able to regain his corner and Hercules Ayala gets the hot tag. The Puerto Rican is on fire and hits everything and everyone in sights. Finally, as the end of the match approaches, Hercules Ayala is finally alone with George “The Animal” Steele. Both madmen start hitting each other hard but Ayala gets the upper hand. At some point, Frenchy Martin climbs on the ring apron in an attempt to get Ayala’s attention but Rick Martel sees him and trips him down the apron. Martel connects with a right hand and all hell breaks loose outside as Martel/Robinson are fighting with Lefebvre/Charland. In the melee, Ayala sets up Steele for an atomic drop but he’s close from Frenchy’s Legion ‘s corner so Frenchy grabs Ayala’s ankle and trips him. Ayala goes down and The Animal falls on Ayala, connecting with somewhat of an improvised splash and referee Adrien Desbois turns back in time to make the 3 count, allowing Frenchy’s Legion to get the victory. Winners: Frenchy’s Legion (George “The Animal” Steele, Mad Dog Lefebvre & Richard Charland) (George Steele is quickly pulled out of the ring by Mad Dog Lefebvre & Richard Charland as Billy Robinson & Rick Martel climb in the ring too late to realize what just happened. Robinson & Martel try to calm down Hercules Ayala as the show goes off the air while Frenchy Martin is jubilating, celebrating with his men.) À LA SEMAINE PROCHAINE SI DIEU LE VEUT!

No problem, have a great weekend!

Lutte Internationale requests the women for the 14th & 28th TV tapings, please.

I can also pitch in to handle freelancing duties once in a while if you need to. Whatever month(s) you want me to fill in, I'll be glad to help!

It's also cool to see Jimmy Garvin getting the rub in those high profile matches. Not only does it give you options for a tag title run for the Garvins but also Jimmy could get a very nice singles run in the future!

Always loved to see heels finding all kinds of excuses to explain why they've lost the titles they weren't supposed to lose. Makes it even more interesting! It's been very fun thus far planning those joint shows together and I hope we'll keep going for a while. It's excellent for every territory!

I sadly don't have a picture of Chili Bowl but I know that he worked in various promotions during the 80's. But next time, I'll use more known minis!

June 22nd, 1984 Centre Paul-Sauvé, Montréal, Québec Prior to the show, legend Pat O'Connor is introduced to the attendance. -Hercules Ayala beat Armand Rougeau in 3:17 when Greg Valentine interfered and tossed his championship belt to Ayala to use on Armand. After the match, Jacques Rougeau ran in and attacked Valentine. Promoter Frank Valois came out and announced a tag team match for the main event between the team of Greg Valentine & Hercules Ayala vs Armand & Jacques Rougeau and appoints Pat O'Connor as the special referee! -Kendo Nagasaki beat Buzz Tyler in 10:57 with the Kamikaze Crash -Raymond Rougeau beat Jerry Oates in 12:37 with a Savate Kick -Gilles Poisson beat Mad Dog Lefebvre (w/Frenchy Martin) in 5:49 with a bearhug -Chili Bowl beat Lone Eagle in 12:43 in a Minis Match Guest Referee - Pat O'Connor: Jacques & Armand Rougeau beat "International Heavyweight Champion" Greg Valentine & Hercules Ayala (w/Frenchy Martin) in 43:47 when George "The Animal" Steele accidentally tossed Valentine's title belt to Armand Rougeau who knocked out Ayala while Pat O'Connor was distracted with Valentine & Jacques Rougeau fighting outside the ring.

You could be surprised by how stubborn Vince can be. But hopefully, they do the right thing and turn him heel upon his return.

Interesting that you chose to have a 72-minute match to end your June 17 show. But you had the right people to keep the crowd hot.

That Cotton Bowl card is LOADED.

I love the continuity in the Dundee/Graham feud, with Graham reopening the cut from a previous attack to win the match. Lots of intensity in this feud and it's my favorite program you're having thus far.

Love the way you use Stevens & Patterson as NWA US Tag Champions. Your tag team division is so loaded that having a 2nd tag team title gives you tons of options. You keep Stevens & Patterson hot while they can challenge for the World Tag Team Championship!

I like seeing Bret Hart paired with Davey Boy Smith right off the bat. I think this is something you could stick up with for a short while in the tag team divisions. Also love that you're already planting the seed with Jim Neidhart!

Ken Patera looking like a beast, usual! Also, the final Hulk Hogan match in the AWA should be fantastic.

June 17th, 1984 Maple Leaf Gardens, Toronto, Ontario -Richard Charland (w/Frenchy Martin) beat Ted Oates in 13:31 after holding his tights -The Rougeau Brothers (Jacques & Raymond) beat Pete Doherty & Charlie Cook in 12:46 with La Bombe Rougeau -Mad Dog Pierre Lefebvre (w/Frenchy Martin) beat "Pretty Boy" Doug Somers at 12:48 with a backbreaker -Samu (w/Eddy "The Brain" Creatchman) beat Billy Robinson in 8:29 with a top rope splash -Baron Von Raschke beat Armand Rougeau at 8:32 after using a loaded glove on Rougeau. -Sika (w/Eddy "The Brain" Creatchman) beat Gino Brito at 10:50 with a Samoan Drop -Dino Bravo & Leo Burke beat the Caribbean Connection at 8:32 International Heavyeight Championship - Unrecognized by Lutte Internationale & the Ontario Athletic Commission: Greg Valentine (w/Frenchy Martin) beat Gilles Poisson at 15:44 by countout to retain.

The prospect of Humongous & Leatherface running roughshod scares the crap out of me.

I can't WAIT to find out who is behind Mr. Money. It's seriously everything that the Black Scorpion angle should've been instead of that ridiculous angle they came up with back then.

Man, I have to command you again on your use of Fidel Sierra in tag team with Alexis Smirnoff. Admittedly, Smirnoff would've better fit in my territory but what you're doing with Sierra & Smirnoff as the Red Assassins is perfect. You've got a great contending team waiting in the wings for either the Sheepherders or the Andersons!

Great start to the tournament! I'm a little bummed to see that a Midnight Express vs Guerreros final wouldn't be possible but I'm pulling for a Midnight Express vs Youngbloods finals!